Casino Licenses Likely Not Awarded Until Late 2025: State Gaming

ALBANY, NY — While no decision has been made on awarding the downstate casino licenses, the state is reconfiguring the timeline.

The State Gaming Commission announced it will likely stretch into late 2025 before we know where casinos will be built.

Las Vegas Sands is hoping to bring a state-of-the-art resort/casino to the Nassau Hub.

However, at the March 26 Gaming Commission meeting, Executive Director Robert Williams laid out the need to slow down the process.

When questioned by Chairman Brian O'Dwyer: "The consideration of the timeline is because we are required to follow the legislative requirements as set forth in the statute. Is that correct?"

Williams: "Yes, that is correct."

Part of those requirements include the State Environmental Quality Review Act.

But in his opening remarks, Williams said, despite the apparent delays, "the process remains ahead of schedule."

As many as three licenses will, ultimately, be handed out. A handful of New York City locations are involved in the "casino sweepstakes," including the area adjacent to Citi Field, Coney Island and Hudson Yards. the New York Post reported.

The Sands would build a $4 billion hotel and casino near the site of the Nassau Coliseum. Critics have been vocal in their opposition, since the announcement was made last year, from the potential for property values plummeting to an uptick.

Neighboring Hofstra University is fighting the lease agreement in court, but County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in January that plans will go forward.

"I think their premise is basically false," Blakeman said at the time.